Discover the raw beauty, isolation and adventure of the Cape Wrath Trail, widely regarded as the UK’s most challenging and rewarding long-distance walk. Stretching 370 km (230 miles) from Fort William to Britain's most north-westerly point, the lighthouse at Cape Wrath, this unmarked trail winds through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.

This definitive guidebook is the essential companion for tackling the Cape Wrath Trail with confidence, combining detailed route descriptions with practical planning advice. Best suited to experienced walkers, the trail offers a true backpacking journey, and the Cicerone guidebook provides clear guidance through this iconic, often pathless terrain, including Knoydart, Glenfinnan, Torridon, Assynt and the far northwest coast of Scotland.

• The route is broken down into 14 stages, from Fort William to Cape Wrath, with suggested itineraries allowing you to tailor the trail to suit your experience, fitness and available time.
• Clear, step-by-step route descriptions are supported by 1:50,000 OS mapping and elevation profiles, helping you stay on track across remote glens, mountain passes and river crossings.
• Each stage includes essential information such as distance, ascent and descent, estimated walking time and terrain overview, enabling careful planning in an environment where preparation is critical.
• Practical advice on accommodation, wild camping, resupply points and transport is included, alongside guidance on safety, navigation and weather considerations unique to the Scottish Highlands. 
• Pocket-sized and lightweight, this guidebook is designed to help keep pack weight to a minimum on the trail.

Plan your Cape Wrath Trail journey with confidence and immerse yourself in one of the UK's wildest long-distance trails. This expertly researched guidebook ensures you are fully prepared to experience the solitude, scale and unforgettable landscapes of the Highlands. 

Summary of the Cape Wrath Trail Stages 

The Cape Wrath Trail is typically divided into the following sections, covering approximately 370 km from Fort William to Cape Wrath.

Author Highlight

“From the headland that juts imperiously over the broad ochre strand of Sandwood Bay, you may catch a first glimpse of the Cape Wrath lighthouse peeking over the low, dun hills of the horizon, beckoning you the final few miles towards the end of one of the world’s finest long-distance walks. The trail, it will test the limits of your physical and mental endurance. But dark, boggy moments are quickly forgotten amid a solitude and beauty rarely found in modern life.” 

- Iain Harper, author of Walking the Cape Wrath Trail

Map key
Overview map
Preface
Introduction
Geology and wildlife
Getting there
Getting around
When to go
Accommodation
Safety
Emergencies
Money and communications
Preparation and planning
What to take
Waywarking and access
Maps and navigation
Using this guide

1 Fort William to Strathcarron
Stage 1 Fort William to Glenfinnan
Stage 2 Glenfinnan to Glen Dessarry
Stage 3 Glen Dessarry to Barisdale
Stage 4 Barisdale to Morvich (near Shiel Bridge)
Alternative Stage 1 Fort William to Laggan
Alternative Stage 2 Laggan to Cluanie
Alternative Stage 3 Cluanie to Morvich (near Shiel Bridge)
Stage 5 Morvich (near Shiel Bridge) to Strathcarron

2 Strathcarron to Inverlael (near Ullapool)
Stage 6 Strathcarron to Kinlochewe
Alternative Stage 6 Bendronaig to Kinlochewe
Stage 7 Kinlochewe to Strath na Sealga
Stage 8 Strath na Sealga to Inverlael (near Ullapool)

3 Inverlael to Cape Wrath
Stage 9 Inverlael (near Ullapool) to Oykel Bridge
Alternative Stage 9 Ullapool to Oykel Bridge
Stage 10 Oykel Bridge to Inchnadamph (or Loch Ailsh)
Stage 11 Inchnadamph to Glendhu
Alternative Stage 11 Loch Ailsh to Glendhu
Stage 12 Glendhu to Rhiconich
Stage 13 Rhiconich to Sandwood Bay
Stage 14 Sandwood Bay to Cape Wrath

Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Shops, cafés and Post Offices
Appendix D Useful websites
Appendix E Maps
Appendix F Further reading

Seasons

April, May and June are ideal months to walk the trail. September and October are also good, but there may be diversions due to deer stalking and military operations at the cape. In July and August the days are superbly long and the weather can be fine, but midges will be in full flight. The limited accommodation along the trail may also be booked up at this time of year.

Centres

Fort William, Glenfinnan, Barisdale, Kinloch Hourn, Shiel Bridge, Strathcarron, Kinlochewe, Dundonnell, Ullapool, Bridge of Orchy, Inchnadamph, Kylesku, Rhiconich, Kinlochbervie, Durness

Difficulty

The Cape Wrath Trail is regarded as the toughest long-distance backpacking trail in Britain. It crosses remote, sparsely populated and potentially dangerous mountain country. There are no pack-carrying services and often no clear paths. Limited re-supply points mean you need to be self-sufficient for several days at a time. Not a route for beginners or those unfamiliar with remote, rugged mountain areas.

Must See

Glenfinnan monument and viaduct, the gloriously remote rough bounds of Knoydart, Barisdale, Forcan ridge, Falls of Glomach, Beinn Eighe, Lochan Fada, Shenavall, An Teallach, Glen Douchary, Glen Oykel, Ben More, Glencoul, Arkle, Foinaven, Sandwood Bay, Cape Wrath lighthouse

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